This web site is focused on gleaning a "gold nugget" from the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the current day of the month. The idea was first proposed to me years ago. After trying it, I found myself seeing the scenarios described in proverbs in my daily living. The option for making wiser decisions was becoming more apparent. The Book of Wisdom has lived up to its billing. Proverbs should not be the entirety of your bible reading, but it can be a valuable part of your daily discipline.

Being Chastened

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 3

Gold NuggetVerse 11:“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction;”

Commentary

As parents we all
have had to chasten (discipline) our children. It’s not always an easy job. Naturally
we want to love and please them, but we are tasked with the difficult responsibility
of ensuring their training. In the process of ensuring good training we know that
our children hurt from the necessary methods. As painful as it may be to see
them hurt, we also know that we must hold fast to the measures. All of this, as
hard as it may be for both parties, will produce the results that are needed.
What can make it all go south very quickly is the attitude that our children
may respond with. I want my kids to know that I am not being mean or taking any
pleasure in their suffering. If they choose to resent or reject me or my
intentions, it hinders and even prevents anything good from coming out of my
efforts. I do not want my children to despise my chastening or detest my
correction. As our parent (Father), God is tasked with the difficult responsibility
of ensuring our training that also includes chastening. Considering our
perspective towards disciplining our children and applying it to our
relationship with God, we should take the direction of Solomon who says in
today’s “gold nugget”, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction;”
Whatever we see in our life that may be potential chastening or correction from
God should bring us to repentance and not resentment. Know this, God loves us
and knows what’s best for us. We should not reject His correction and
chastening. He is trying to make us into a people that will be pleasing in His
sight and useful for His service.

Prayer

Lord, I see some things in my life that
appear to be you chastening me and I want to accept it with a humble and yet
joyful heart. I know you are working out your plan in me. Amen